Problem Definition
What is the first step in analytical problem solving?
A. Implement the solution
B. Define the problem clearly
C. Evaluate alternatives
D. Brainstorm ideas
B. Define the problem clearly
Analytical problem solving is based on:
A. Emotions
B. Logic and structured steps
C. Random guesses
D. Intuition only
B. Logic and structured steps
Creative problem solving focuses on:
A. Following strict routines
B. Generating new and innovative ideas
C. Avoiding risks
D. Using only historical data
B. Generating new and innovative ideas
Functional fixedness means:
A. Being flexible
B. Seeing only traditional uses for things
C. Generating many ideas
D. Evaluating solutions
B. Seeing only traditional uses for things
The best managers use:
A. Only analytical thinking
B. Only creative thinking
C. A combination of analytical and creative thinking
D. Trial and error only
C. A combination of analytical and creative thinking
A good problem statement should:
A. Be vague and broad
B. Focus only on opinions
C. Describe the gap between current and desired conditions
D. Include the final solution
C. Describe the gap between current and desired conditions
After generating alternatives, the next step is to:
A. Ignore constraints
B. Immediately implement
C. Evaluate alternatives using criteria
D. Start brainstorming again
C. Evaluate alternatives using criteria
The “aha” moment in creativity is called:
A. Preparation
B. Verification
C. Illumination
D. Convergence
C. Illimination
Jumping to conclusions usually happens when managers:
A. Analyze too much
B. Skip proper problem definition
C. Encourage debate
D. Use evaluation criteria
B. Skip proper problem definition
Brainstorming followed by evaluation represents the combination of:
A. Divergent then convergent thinking
B. Convergent then divergent thinking
C. Illumination then incubation
D. Preparation then implementation
A. Divergent then convergent thinking
Confusing declining sales with “bad employees” without analysis is an example of:
A. Creative thinking
B. Convergent thinking
C. Jumping to conclusions
D. Incubation
C. Jumping to conclusions
Which of the following is an example of evaluation criteria?
A. Personal preference
B. Cost and feasibility
C. Random selection
D. Popular opinion only
B. Cost and feasibility
The incubation stage refers to:
A. Publicly presenting ideas
B. Subconscious processing of a problem
C. Immediate evaluation
D. Rejecting ideas
B. Subconscious processing of a problem
Fear of criticism mainly affects which stage?
A. Implementation
B. Divergent thinking
C. Evaluation
D. Verification
B. Divergent thinking
Why is combining both approaches important?
A. It eliminates risk
B. It ensures structure and innovation together
C. It avoids decision-making
D. It reduces time spent thinking
B. It ensures structure and innovation together
Why is separating symptoms from root causes important?
A. It speeds up decisions
B. It prevents solving the wrong problem
C. It reduces brainstorming
D. It avoids evaluation
B. It prevents solving the wrong problem
Failing to review results after implementation can lead to:
A. Continuous improvement
B. Stronger creativity
C. Repeating ineffective decisions
D. Better brainstorming
C. Repeating ineffective decisions
Which of the following best represents divergent thinking?
A. Selecting one final answer
B. Generating many possible solutions without judgment
C. Comparing costs
D. Narrowing options
B. Generating many possible solutions without judgment
A team lacking diverse perspectives may experience:
A. More innovation
B. Broader idea generation
C. Limited creativity and similar solutions
D. Stronger incubation
C. Limited creativity and similar solutions
A manager who generates innovative ideas but never evaluates feasibility is lacking:
A. Divergent thinking
B. Incubation
C. Analytical evaluation skills
D. Illumination
C. Analytical evaluation skills
Which of the following best represents a properly defined managerial problem?
A. “Employees are lazy.”
B. “Profits are low.”
C. “Customer retention dropped 15% in six months due to delayed deliveries.”
D. “We need a new strategy.”
C. "Customer retention dropped 15% in six months due to delayed deliveries."
A manager who gathers data, identifies root causes, compares solutions using measurable criteria, and adjusts after implementation is demonstrating:
A. Functional fixedness
B. Complete creative thinking
C. Full analytical problem-solving process
D. Divergent thinking only
C. Full analytical problem-solving process
Why is premature criticism harmful during brainstorming?
A. It increases structure
B. It improves logic
C. It limits idea generation and creativity
D. It speeds decision-making
C. It limits idea generation and creativity
When a manager refuses to consider new technology because “this is how we’ve always done it,” this is:
A. Convergent thinking
B. Analytical evaluation
C. Functional fixedness combined with resistance to change
D. Illumination
C. Functional fixedness combined with resistance to change
Which scenario best reflects full integration of analytical and creative problem solving?
A. Choosing the first acceptable solution
B. Brainstorming ideas but not testing them
C. Generating innovative alternatives, evaluating them with measurable criteria, implementing the best one, and reviewing results
D. Using intuition only
C. Generating innovative alternatives, evaluating them with measurable criteria, implementing the best one, and reviewing results